2016 Bollywood Release: A Look Back at the Year’s Biggest Hits and Misses
The year 2016 was a mixed bag for Bollywood, with some films emerging as big hits while others failed to make a mark at the box office. From action-packed thrillers to romantic dramas, the year saw a variety of releases that catered to different audiences. In this article, we take a look back at some of the biggest hits and misses of 2016.
Section 1: The Blockbusters
The year 2016 saw some of the biggest blockbusters in the history of Bollywood. One such film was “Sultan,” starring Salman Khan and Anushka Sharma in lead roles. The film, which revolved around the life of a wrestler, broke several box office records and went on to become one of the highest-grossing Indian films of all time.
Another film that created waves at the box office was “Dangal,” starring Aamir Khan in the lead role. The film, which was based on the life of wrestler Mahavir Singh Phogat and his daughters, was not only a commercial success but also received critical acclaim for its powerful performances and engaging storyline.
Other notable blockbusters of the year included “Ae Dil Hai Mushkil,” “Kabali,” and “M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story.” These films not only entertained audiences but also showcased the versatility of Bollywood in terms of storytelling and filmmaking.
Section 2: The Disappointments
While there were several blockbusters in 2016, there were also a few films that failed to impress audiences and critics alike. One such film was “Mohenjo Daro,” starring Hrithik Roshan in the lead role. Despite being one of the most expensive Bollywood films ever made, the film failed to recover its production costs and was a major disappointment at the box office.
Another film that failed to make a mark was “Fitoor,” starring Aditya Roy Kapur and Katrina Kaif in lead roles. The film, which was based on Charles Dickens’ novel “Great Expectations,” received mixed reviews from critics and failed to attract audiences to the theaters.
Other disappointments of the year included “Rocky Handsome,” “Baar Baar Dekho,” and “Mirzya.” These films not only failed to make an impact at the box office but also received negative reviews from critics, indicating a lack of creativity and innovation in their storytelling.
Section 3: The Surprises
While some films failed to impress, there were also a few surprises in 2016 that caught audiences off guard. One such film was “Pink,” starring Amitabh Bachchan and Taapsee Pannu in lead roles. The film, which dealt with issues of consent and sexual harassment, not only received critical acclaim but also struck a chord with audiences for its powerful message.
Another surprise hit of the year was “Neerja,” starring Sonam Kapoor in the lead role. The film, which was based on the life of flight attendant Neerja Bhanot, who died while saving passengers from terrorists on board a hijacked flight, received critical acclaim for its gripping storyline and powerful performances.
Other surprises of the year included “Dear Zindagi,” “Kapoor & Sons,” and “Udta Punjab.” These films not only entertained audiences but also tackled important social issues, indicating a shift towards more meaningful and impactful storytelling in Bollywood.
Section 4: The Newcomers
2016 also saw the emergence of several new talents in Bollywood, both in front of and behind the camera. One such newcomer was Alia Bhatt, who delivered powerful performances in films like “Udta Punjab” and “Dear Zindagi.” Another newcomer who made a mark was director Shakun Batra, whose film “Kapoor & Sons” received critical acclaim for its engaging storyline and powerful performances.
Other notable newcomers of the year included actors Vicky Kaushal and Diljit Dosanjh, who impressed audiences with their performances in “Masaan” and “Udta Punjab” respectively. The year also saw the emergence of new directors like Gauri Shinde, who directed “Dear Zindagi,” and Nitya Mehra, who directed “Baar Baar Dekho.”
Conclusion
The year 2016 was a mixed bag for Bollywood, with some films emerging as big hits while others failed to make a mark at the box office. However, the year also saw a shift towards more meaningful and impactful storytelling, indicating a positive change in the industry. With new talents emerging both in front of and behind the camera, Bollywood seems poised for a bright future.
